Amusement parks. It's every kid's dream to go to one. (Especially that really big one with the castle and the ears!) But let's face it: parks can be enormous, hot, and exhausting. For people living with heat-sensitive conditions like multiple sclerosis (MS), heat intolerance, hyperhidrosis, or lupus, a full day at an amusement park can feel impossible, but it doesn't have to be. Here are our 2 plans with quick tips to ensure a fun, safe, and cool time at the park!
Watch Julia, Kurtis, and Brad have fun at Seabreeze Amusement Park while wearing their ThermApparel UnderCool Cooling Vests.
Fun Fact: Did you see the Jack Rabbit Coaster? The Jack Rabbit is the oldest continuously operating roller coaster in the United States. It opened on May 31, 1920... and it's still fun!
COOLING PLAN
Step 1: Prepare Your Cooling Vest
Worried about overheating at the amusement park? We have just the invisible cooling vest for you. If the day is going to be a scorcher, make sure to put your cooling packs in the freezer the night before so they are frozen and ready to go. Pack your bag with these essentials:
- Extra Cooling Packs
- 3-gallon zip-lock type bag
- Sunscreen
- Small cooler bag
- Water Bottle
- Small hand towel (paper towels from the bathroom work great too)
If you're not wearing your cooling vest in the car, bring a cooler with ice or ice blocks to keep it cold until you arrive. Want more info? Check out Part 6: Building the Ultimate Cooling Toolbox of our #HeatIQ blog series.
Step 2: Check the Map
Go to the amusement park's website and check the map. Find out where the first aid and medical stations are — just in case you overheat and need help fast. Many parks also have quiet, shaded rest areas that are perfect for recharging your cooling packs in ice water.
Step 3: Dress for the Heat
Wear light, breathable clothing over your ThermApparel cooling vest. Light colors reflect sunlight, and loose fits allow air to circulate. Avoid heavy fabrics or dark colors that absorb heat. A wide-brimmed hat and UV-blocking sunglasses are great additions for anyone spending long hours outdoors, especially those with heat-sensitive conditions like MS.
Step 4: Check the Temp
For people with heat-sensitive conditions, understanding your environment is critical. There are 5 main factors to consider: temperature, humidity, direct sun, nearby heat sources, and air movement.
Temperature: The most important number to remember is 80°F. Over 80°F, our bodies have to work harder to expel excess heat — and for people with MS, even a small rise in core temperature can trigger symptom flares. Note that weather readings are taken in the shade, so the real "feels like" temperature is often much higher.
Humidity: The more water vapor in the air, the harder it is for sweat to evaporate, making it harder to stay cool. Humidity can raise the "feels like" temperature by 7–16°F on a normal summer day across much of the US.
Direct Sun: Direct sunlight can add +10–13.5°F to the heat index. If you're in an open park with little shade, add about 10°F to the forecast temperature when planning your day.
Nearby Heat Sources: Buildings, asphalt, and concrete absorb and radiate heat. Hot parking lots and paved midways can be significantly hotter than the air temperature — plan rest breaks in shaded or air-conditioned areas.
Air Movement: Wind and airflow help your body expel heat. Breezy areas feel cooler even at high temperatures. Clothing that blocks airflow (like heavy layers) reduces this benefit, so dress lightly over your cooling vest.
Want to go deeper? Read Part Four: Environmental Risk Factors for Heat Stress.
Which ThermApparel Vest Should I Bring to an Amusement Park?
We recommend pairing one of these vests with an extra set of Cooling Packs so you can rotate throughout the day:
- UnderCool 3 — our most popular vest, worn completely under clothing. Lightweight and invisible under a t-shirt.
- RallyWrap — a wrap-style vest, great for easy on/off between rides.
- UltraCool — maximum cooling coverage for the hottest days.
PARK PLAN
Rule #1: Know Your Park
Go to the amusement park's website and check the guest services section and FAQ page. Key things to look up:
- Are coolers allowed?
- What are the park's ADA considerations?
- Does the park rent lockers?
- How accessible is the park?
- Where is the medical first aid station?
- How expensive is parking?
- How long does it take to traverse the park?
- Does the park offer fast passes?
- Does the park rent scooters?
- Can you take your own scooter?
Going to a Disney Park? Check out our Disney and travel blogs — packed with tips from customers who brought their ThermApparel cooling vest along:
Rule #2: Pack Lightly But Smartly
Most amusement parks offer locker rentals, but they're notoriously small and expensive. Stick to a small backpack with just the essentials:
- Extra Cooling Packs
- 3-gallon zip-lock type bag
- Sunscreen
- Small cooler bag
- Water Bottle
- Small hand towel
- Small wallet (preferably something that fits in your pocket)
Need help with the ice water recharge method? Watch Julia explain how to refreeze your cooling packs anywhere:
Rule #3: Bring Cash
ATMs at amusement parks charge high fees! You might pay for tickets with a card, but lockers and some vendors are often cash only. Bring some bills to avoid the hassle.
Rule #4: Stay Hydrated
Proper hydration is essential — especially for people with MS or other heat-sensitive conditions where dehydration can worsen symptoms. Drink water consistently throughout the day, not just when you feel thirsty. Waiting in line for the next ride is the perfect time to rehydrate. Check out our Hydration Guide for more details.
TIP: In the video, after Julia puts the depleted cooling packs into the ice water, you see Kurtis sipping a slushie. Slushies are great tools for keeping your core temp down! While waiting 30 minutes for the cooling packs to refreeze, enjoy a slushie, relive a childhood moment, and keep your core cool!
Rule #5: Have Fun
Eat the hot dog, the funnel cake, and drink the slushie. Go on as many rides as you can. If you need a break from the heat, head to the games area — play skeeball or try to pop the balloons with a dart. It's a great time to get in the shade, put your cooling packs in ice water, and recharge before the next adventure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I wear a ThermApparel cooling vest on amusement park rides?
Yes. ThermApparel vests are lightweight and worn under clothing, making them compatible with most amusement park rides. The vest contains no metal components that would affect ride restraints. Always check individual ride requirements if you have concerns.
How do I recharge my cooling packs at an amusement park?
Bring a 3-gallon Ziplock bag and ask any restaurant or first aid station for ice water. Submerge your cooling packs flat in the ice water for 30–40 minutes and they'll be ready to go. You can rotate between two sets of packs to stay cool all day.
Are cooling vests good for people with MS at amusement parks?
Absolutely. Heat can trigger or worsen multiple sclerosis (MS) symptoms, making hot outdoor environments especially challenging. A ThermApparel cooling vest helps maintain a lower core temperature, keeping heat-related MS symptoms at bay so you can enjoy a full day at the park.
Can I bring a cooler bag into an amusement park?
Many parks allow small, soft-sided cooler bags. Always check the specific park's bag policy on their website before your visit, as rules vary and can change.
What heat-sensitive conditions benefit from a cooling vest at an amusement park?
ThermApparel cooling vests are popular with people managing multiple sclerosis (MS), heat intolerance, hyperhidrosis, lupus, fibromyalgia, chemotherapy side effects, and general heat sensitivity. Anyone who struggles in the heat can benefit from wearing a cooling vest at an amusement park.
This blog is part of our Summer Bucket List Blog Series.
Check out the entire series to see all the cool adventures you can have this summer.
